Higher Learning...

I thought I was well versed with taking care of babies since I "nannied" all my nieces but Sydney has challenged me to put all my years of experience to the test. Her three months on earth has taught me more than I could have ever imagined:

• She is teaching me to be a stronger person than I thought I was capable of being (still in progress)
• Not to take anything for granted especially your kids and your hearing
• Take life one day at a time because you don't know what tomorrow may bring
• A whole new language and culture that is fascinating
• The deepest love that only a mother can have that gives life a new meaning and purpose
• To be a more compassionate understanding person
• Perspective on life and what's really important
• That a child's smile can melt your heart and make even the gloomiest days seem bright

I can go on and on. I can't say it has been easy, but it helps to look back and see how much progress we've made and try to find the silver lining in all of this. Today I made her learning posters with the alphabet, numbers and shapes in both English and ASL. She is very alert as I trace off the letters and sing the alphabet to her. Her teacher also suggested to make a poster with different baby faces on it expressing different emotions.


She had her first day of pre-school last week through the local Early Intervention program. I was very impressed with her school . It is really nice. Her teacher is great and works wonderfully with the kids. She does circle time singing and signing to the kids. They do an art and crafts project. Poor Sydney's arms are just barley long enough to sit in her Bumbo seat and reach the table, so I had to help a "little". Then she fell asleep. Another teacher there works with the parents to teach us ASL. There are all kinds of cute kids in her class. Sydney is the youngest by about 9 mos. We plan on taking her to both the infant and toddler classes to expose her to as much learning that she can have.